Invitation to Parents to Attend Graduation Ceremony. Please help.

[Tenzin Tashi]

I would very much appreciate any inputs. I studying at Columbia University. I am graduating from the PhD Program this semester. I will be joining Johns Hopkins University after I graduate. I am a US permanent resident. I would like to invite my parents to attend my graduation ceremony at Columbia. However, my parents' tourist visas applications were rejected six months ago. They do not understand English and went with a translator. I am worried that their visas could be rejected this time also, even though I am more hopeful since it is my graduation. I have letters from university to verify my graduation. My question is "would it help if I myself go to the interview along with my parents, both to translate and also so that I could provide them better answers on questions that the consular would have about me". Please help. Do you think this will help or hurt, in the sense that will they think why are they putting in so much effort. My parents are elderly and would indeed stay for only one month in the US. Totally confused. Please help.

[Libra_14]

I am a US permanent resident. I would like to invite my parents to attend my graduation ceremony at Columbia. However, my parents' tourist visas applications were rejected six months ago. They do not understand English and went with a translator. I am worried that their visas could be rejected this time also, even though I am more hopeful since it is my graduation. I have letters from university to verify my graduation.

You need to research a bit on what questions were asked to them in the first attempt & analyze what could have gone wrong. If the circumstances are improved for your parents, they will get the visa this time.

Remember, each application is treated/analyzed independently on its own merits.

My question is "would it help if I myself go to the interview along with my parents, both to translate and also so that I could provide them better answers on questions that the consular would have about me". Please help. Do you think this will help or hurt, in the sense that will they think why are they putting in so much effort. My parents are elderly and would indeed stay for only one month in the US. Totally confused. Please help.

Even if you visit the local embassy with your parents, you won't be allowed inside embassy (with your parents). So it won't be of any help at all.

The onus is on your parents to prove "strong ties" to their home country & provide a good reason for the visit - your graduation ceremony is a good reason.

[pb2au]

You need to prepare your parents for the questions they will be asked. Practice with mock drills. Always present accurate, truthful answers to the visa officer. The answers have to be consistent with what is filled in the DS-160 form. They should be informed about you, your immigration status, your particulars (residence, university, degree etc).

Bottom line: you can't send them in for the interview unprepared and expect a positive outcome.

[Tenzin Tashi]

You need to research a bit on what questions were asked to them in the first attempt & analyze what could have gone wrong. If the circumstances are improved for your parents, they will get the visa this time.

Remember, each application is treated/analyzed independently on its own merits.

Even if you visit the local embassy with your parents, you won't be allowed inside embassy (with your parents). So it won't be of any help at all.

The onus is on your parents to prove "strong ties" to their home country & provide a good reason for the visit - your graduation ceremony is a good reason.

Thank you so much for your advice. Very much appreciate it.

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You need to research a bit on what questions were asked to them in the first attempt & analyze what could have gone wrong. If the circumstances are improved for your parents, they will get the visa this time.

Remember, each application is treated/analyzed independently on its own merits.

Even if you visit the local embassy with your parents, you won't be allowed inside embassy (with your parents). So it won't be of any help at all.

The onus is on your parents to prove "strong ties" to their home country & provide a good reason for the visit - your graduation ceremony is a good reason.

Thanks so much for your advice. Appreciate it.